At COP26, I was most inspired by the young climate activists. By speaking out and calling upon us to  take stronger action, they have shone a light on the consequences of inaction for young people - our future.  Addressing the climate crisis isn't only about setting long-term emission reduction targets to stop global warming – we need to fundamentally transform the way we approach life. But there are strong industry groups and others with vested interests who will fight this...

We have a real chance to build resilient, more vibrant communities.   Right now there are pivotal decisions being made about the future of Wellington. By ensuring smart decisions are made now, we can deliver fast, clean transport that puts Wellington on track to a climate-friendly future. We can make getting around by bike and public transport fast and easy. And we can build affordable, green homes, close to jobs, schools, shops and parks. 

We're thinking ahead to truly tackle the challenges we face as a community.

Aaron Hawkins is currently serving his first term as Mayor, after two terms as a city councillor. He grew up in and around Invercargill, before moving to Dunedin to study at the University of Otago in 2002. After graduating with a B.A. in Media, Film and Communications he worked at Radio One 91FM, and as a freelance writer for various print and online publications. Since first being elected in 2013, Mayor Hawkins has focused on supporting our community’s social and environmental wellbeing,...

City Councillor Brent Barrett works and votes to help make Palmerston North a future-ready city where everyone thrives.  With a background in environmental advocacy and continued professional involvement in agri-science, Brent brings long term, solution-oriented thinking to his work representing the city’s constituents.   His main interests include transport and the environment, with a fair sprinkling of social justice.  In responding to the climate and ecological crisis we face, Brent is working to build consensus and deliver practical climate action at...

Jessica Rose is a current elected member of Whau Board. She was previously elected to the Albert-Eden local board and has been an active community resident for many years with organisations such as Frocks on Bikes, Women in Urbanism Aotearoa, and Bike Auckland. She’s a certified project manager with extensive experience in the public and private sectors. She brings experience in good governance to urgent local action in climate and environmental protection, housing affordability, and economic resilience. She is an...

Laurie Foon’s been a champion of sustainable business and social responsibility in Wellington city. She was a powerful advocate for new sewage solutions introduced in the 2021 Long Term Plan to divert Wellington’s sewage away from the landfill! Her vision is that Wellington will become the 'coolest little sustainable capital in the world'. In fact, you'll probably bump into Laurie riding her bike, as this is her favourite way to get around the city. Laurie is a passionate advocate for...

Why the Entrust election is important? Voting in this year's Entrust Election is one of the most important pieces of climate action you can take. Through Entrust, the people of Auckland own 75.1% of Vector, the company that provides our electricity and has the ability to lead our transition to a clean, green and electrified future. But unfortunately, the current set of Entrust trustees have been holding Vector back. We need new faces and a fresh approach that will prioritise...

Te Mana Whenua o tēnei rohe, Tēnā koutou Katoa, Tēnā Koutou Katoa Ko Sāmoa me Tonga ngā wāhi o ōku Tupuna. Ko Fa’amoe, Lū, Tua’i, Faualō, Ivala, Laufiso ngā whānau Ko Agnes (Eti) Ivala tōku Māma, Ko Mikaele Laufiso tōku Papa. Kua mate a Eti i te tau rua mano iwa. Ko Phillippa, Cesilia rātou Filomena ōku teina. Ko Michael rāua ko Mafutaga ōku tungāne. Kua mate a Michael i te tau rua mano tekau mā ono. Ko Rosalie rāua...

Councillor Renee Dingwall has spent over a decade working in the community and for-purpose sector. She has seen a lot of the complex issues our society is currently facing and is passionate about supporting the most vulnerable members of our community.  Renee has lived experiences of homelessness, poverty, and discrimination. She understands that desperate people make bad decisions, so leaders need to make sure that people have the tools, opportunities and experiences to enable and empower them to make good...